Green Life Expo set for Saturday at Classic Center

People, Places & Things

In addition to eco-friendly building prototypes and recycle bins, the third annual Athens Green Life Expo will feature a new kind of structure - a catwalk.

The Athens-Clarke County Recycling Division and Classic Center have added the Eco-Fashion Show to this year's expo. Models from around Athens and Atlanta will show off both recycled clothes and clothes made from recyclables.

For instance, a dress made out of cat and dog food bags will make its national debut.

There's even a national star in the show. Alasia Ballard, a contestant on the "America's Next Top Model" television show, will don some refurbished looks.

"Every year, we look for something new, something unique to create more awareness," said Suki Janssen, Athens-Clarke County's waste reduction administrator. "We think the fashion show will be a big hit."

The Green Life Expo has been a hit since its debut two years ago, Janssen said, as it has attracted about 2,000 visitors each year. This time around, the expo will move from two days into one big event Saturday.

There's a lot to pack in to one day, including educational seminars, children's activities and one of the larger recycling drives of the year. The Recycling Division will accept batteries, florescent lightbulbs, used cooking grease, electronics, Styrofoam blocks and boxes, used greeting cards, broken Christmas lights and even old video tapes and computer discs.

"There are only certain days when you can recycle things like that," said Angi Harben, the Classic Center's marketing director. "So you can come drop off your recyclables and then come on in.

"The event is free and the parking is free, and there's something for everybody."

Parents aspiring for a greener family can take seminars on canning, composting, childhood nutrition and container gardening. Then there are introductions to green building, riverkeeping and biological sampling.

Kids can build something new out of old stuff, and learn the benefits of hula-hooping. The ever-popular Earth Balloon also will be back, Janssen said.

Instead of a full expo day Friday, the Recycling Division will welcome in business leaders from around Athens to view a special documentary, "So Right, So Smart." The documentary focuses on businesses that have gone to greener practices and seen greener profits.

Interface Carpets in La Grange is one such business featured in the film. Erin Meezan, the company's vice president of sustainability, will speak afterward about how Interface has integrated sustainability into its bottom line.

"It's pointers and practical knowledge on how a company can be sustainable," Janssen said. "We want to get individuals and businesses to become better stewards of the Earth."